Russians say U.N. meeting on Koreas needed urgently

December 18, 2010

UNITED NATIONS (AP) — Russia's U.N. ambassador says Moscow called for an emergency Security Council meeting because of escalating tensions on the Korean peninsula.

Vitaly Churkin said the Russian government believes the Security Council must send "a restraining signal" to North Korea and help launch diplomatic actions to resolve all disputes between North Korea and South Korea.

Churkin expressed regret that the council meeting wasn't held immediately on Saturday. Mark Kornblau, spokesman for the U.S. Mission, said the meeting was scheduled for Sunday to meet requests of other council members for time to consult their capitals.